Chief executive Beth Butterwick said: "This has been a year of contrasts. A strong performance in the first half was supported by good summer weather, however the mild autumn created more difficult trading conditions in the second half of the year. Against this backdrop, we expect to report solid profit growth.

"During the second half of the year in particular, the loyalty of our core customers and our ability to maintain a tight control on costs have been key strengths.

"I am also pleased that through the targeted use of promotions and discounts, the terminal stock holding at the end of the year was almost as low as it was last year, despite the increase in stores."